Cattle Count Down Once Again
In USDA's Mid-Year Inventory

WASHINGTON — The U.S. cattle herd continues to shrink, as evidenced by USDA's mid-year cattle inventory report released late last week.

The inventory shows yet another decline in total cattle numbers and declines in most specific categories, notable exceptions being dairy cattle. It forecasts a slight increase in the calf crop for this year compared to last, but estimates that number will still fall one percent short of two years ago.

The count lists 105.2 million head of cattle and calves as of July 1, down slightly from 105.8 million for the same time last year and one percent below the 106.3 million for 2000.

The inventory lists all cows and heifers that have calved at 42.9 million even, down slightly from 43 million last year and one percent fewer than the 43.2 million of 2000.

Beef cows, at 33.8 million, were slightly fewer than a year ago and one percent below two years ago. Milk cows, at 9.15 million, were steady with the initial estimate for last year but up one percent from revised figures, and down one percent from 2000.

All heifers 500 pounds and heavier totaled 16.2 million, down one percent from last year but two percent below two years ago. Beef replacement heifers, at 4.6 million, were unchanged from a year ago but down two percent from 2000. At 3.7 million, dairy heifers were up three percent from last year but the same as two years ago. "Other" heifers, at 7.9 million, were down four percent from last year and three percent from the year before.

Steers weighing 500 pounds or more totaled 14.5 million head, down one percent from last year but up one percent from 2000. Bulls of that weight tallied 2.1 million, unchanged from both years. Calves under 500 pounds, at 29.5 million, were down one percent and two percent.

USDA estimates the 2000 calf crop will total 38.4 million head, up slightly from last year but down one percent from 2000. Calves born during the first half of the year are estimated at 28 million, down slightly from last year and one percent fewer than two years ago.